Linda Gay Adkins
January 12, 1941 - September 21, 2026
Linda Gay Adkins (McHugh) was born on January 13, 1941, in Electra, Texas to John Evans (J.E.) and Stacy McHugh of Electra. She went Home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 21, 2026. Linda grew up in Electra where she enjoyed many events and activities with her brothers Benny and Jerry. She attended
Electra High School and graduated from there in May of 1959. On June 14, 1959, she married Ralph Adkins, her high school sweetheart. They were blessed with three children, Gary, Jana, and Keri.
After marrying, Ralph and Linda remained in Texas for many years helping operate and manage Gibson’s Discount Centers. When the company expanded to Oklahoma, Ralph was asked to relocate and manage the store in Miami. With Gary and Jana in tow, they moved there in 1966. Two years later they moved to Stillwater to manage the Gibson’s store there. When Gibson’s asked them to move to Nebraska, Linda made it clear that Oklahoma was as far north as she intended to go. And so, Oklahoma became home. The family moved to Perry where they established their home and remained in the area for many years.
Ralph and Linda were members of the Church of Christ in Perry. Faith was an important part of the life they shared. They were actively involved in the church where all three of their children were baptized and involved with the youth group.
Linda worked at various jobs in the community. She was a cashier at the Piggly Wiggly, worked in the circulation department at the Perry Daily Journal, and ultimately took a job at Ditch Witch. She first began work there as a custodian, then looking to expand her skills, she took computer classes offered through the company. Eventually, she was able to move into a Data Technician position in the Product Development Department and later became the Parts Manual Coordinator for the company. After 22 years of employment, she retired in 1999.
After retirement, she moved back to Texas. She first lived in Lufkin before making her way back to her hometown of Electra. There she enjoyed being closer to her Texas family, visiting friends she went to school with, travelling, and fishing. Some of her favorite places to visit were New Mexico and Colorado.
Linda loved her family immensely. She treasured the people she loved and became a special part of so many lives. One of the roles she cherished most was being MeMe to her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many others who called her by that name. She was known as a sweet lady, a strong Christian woman, a wonderful friend, and someone you could talk to for hours. Even as the days became more difficult, she held onto her sense of humor and ability to find joy in the little things.
Linda is survived by her daughter, Keri Koch of Perry, grandchildren Cierra Koch, Lincoln Koch, and Kristin Gibson (Shaun) all of Perry, Alissa Thompson of Stillwater, and Taylor Thompson of Yukon; in addition to eleven great grandchildren and numerous friends and extended family who loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, son Gary, daughter Jana, and grandson Brendon Koch.
